The Party's Over, Labour
Tuesday 9 Sep 2003 Dr Muriel Newman Press Releases -- Crime & Justice
ACT New Zealand Police Spokesman Dr Muriel Newman today asked the Labour Government when it would begin to take New
Zealand's drug problem seriously, in light of WellTrust executive director Pauline Gardiner's warnings.
"Ms Gardiner's warnings today, that teenagers are buying `party packs' containing Ecstasy, cannabis and
methamphetamines - as well as instructions on how to use them - are a clear signal that action must be taken, and taken
now," Dr Newman said.
"For too long Labour has dragged its feet on the drug issue - most notably methamphetamines. Calls for action are
coming thick and fast, from police, schools, and communities - yet this soft-on-crime Government continues to dawdle.
"We already know that drugs cross all borders - from vagrants and gang members, to executives and TV celebrities. Now
teenagers are being targeted more strongly, with these `party packs' seemingly tailor-made for them.
"I am challenging this Government to come clean and tell us just how it plans to get on top of this issue and tackle
this serious problem - or to admit that it's soft-on-drugs approach means we will soon see more New Zealanders damaged
by drugs," Dr Newman said.
ENDS
For more information visit ACT online at http://www.act.org.nz or contact the ACT Parliamentary Office at
act@parliament.govt.nz.